Host nation Morocco secured a hard-fought passage into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with a solitary goal from star playmaker Brahim Diaz proving enough to see off a stubborn Tanzania side in Rabat. The 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 on Sunday, January 5, 2026, sets up a last-eight clash with the winners of the tie between South Africa and Cameroon.
Diaz Delivers Decisive Moment in Tense Encounter
In a match where clear chances were at a premium, the moment of quality came from the boot of Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz. On 64 minutes, captain Achraf Hakimi found Diaz on the right flank of the penalty area. Instead of delivering a cross, the midfielder expertly carved his way towards the byline before firing a fierce shot from an acute angle that beat the Tanzanian goalkeeper, sending the home crowd at the Stade Moulay Abdellah into raptures.
This strike marked Diaz's fourth consecutive goal in the tournament, a remarkable feat that makes him the first Moroccan player to score in four straight games at a single Africa Cup of Nations finals. His clinical finish was the difference on a night where Morocco controlled possession but struggled to find their fluent best.
Wasteful Finishing from Both Sides
The scoreline could have been very different, as both teams squandered significant opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. Tanzania, defying their underdog status, created the first major chance when Simon Msuva found himself unmarked in front of goal but could only direct his header well wide.
Morocco also had their share of misses. Ayoub El Kaabi failed to hit the target with a free header, and later, he could not connect properly with a delightful cross from Hakimi. Earlier, Ismael Saibari had the ball in the net from a header, but it was correctly ruled out for a narrow offside.
Tanzania's best opportunity to equalize fell to Feisal Salum in the 55th minute. After Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou parried a long-range effort, the ball fell kindly to Salum just 10 meters from an open goal, but he blazed his shot over the crossbar, much to the relief of the hosts.
Quarterfinal Awaits Against Southern African Giants
Despite the nervy performance, the result is all that matters for Morocco as they keep their dream of winning the AFCON on home soil alive. The victory books their place in the quarterfinals, where they will meet the victors of the highly anticipated clash between South Africa and Cameroon.
The Atlas Lions will need to find a higher gear if they are to progress further, but for now, they can celebrate a job done. The focus shifts to their next opponent, with the team hoping Diaz's red-hot form in front of goal continues to propel their campaign forward.
